EP 224 – Solocast Q&A: Kifaru vs. Initial Ascent Pack Battle and Why MTN OPS Sucks

In this episode, we sit down with Tanner Danish, founder of Frontiersmen Gear, to talk about what it really takes to build a hunting business with integrity. From navigating the hype-driven world of outdoor marketing to staying grounded in craftsmanship and customer trust, Tanner shares hard-won insights from his journey creating gear that stands up to real backcountry use. We dig into the early challenges of launching a brand, the importance of saying “no” to shortcuts, and how staying true to your values can actually be a competitive edge. If you’re someone who’s tired of the gimmicks and wants to hear what building something real in the hunting space looks like—this one’s for you. Topics Covered: – The origin story of Frontiersmen Gear – Lessons learned from bootstrapping a brand – How to earn trust in a skeptical market – Avoiding the BS in gear design and marketing – Advice for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs in the hunting industry Tanner Danish https://frontiersmengear.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/frontiersmengear/     Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

In this episode, we sit down with Monte Clarke for a raw and reflective conversation on the deep self-awareness forged through solo hunting, the quiet rhythm of fly fishing, and the ongoing challenge of fatherhood. Monte shares stories from the backcountry and the riverbank, weaving in lessons learned from time spent in solitude and the parallels between being a mindful hunter and a present father. It’s a grounded, no-BS look at how nature sharpens not just our skills, but our character. Monte Clarke https://www.instagram.com/monteclarke/   Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools  

My good buddy Brandon had the opportunity to go down to Argentina and hunt Red Stag, so I had him on the podcast to share the story of his trip.   Brandon Roth https://www.instagram.com/brandon.roth.hnh.bc/   Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools  

I met Sean 15 years ago when I was the sales manager for a high-end health club, and he was a full-time MMA fighter. It’s safe to say we have both lived a lot of life since then. We went deep on this one. I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation, and I hope you do too. Sean Zubor https://www.instagram.com/seanzubor/   Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools  

This week, I sat down with the founders of Oryx Outdoors, a new apparel company focused on designing durable, technical training gear for hunters. We dive into their personal hunting stories, what pushed them to start an apparel company in a saturated market, and the real challenges of designing clothing that works when it matters most. Oryx Outdoors https://oryx-outdoors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/oryxoutdoors_official/     Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools  

Time for another Q&A episode. This week I answer questions about both my archery and rifle setups for 2025. 🎯 GIVEAWAY ALERT! Every $5 you spend on merch at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ gets you 1 entry to win a Swarovski 85mm Spotting Scope. No purchase required. Contest begins on February 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on April 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) 1 previously owned Swarovski ATX 85mm Spotting Scope (approximate retail value $5,900.00 CAD). Skill testing question required. This Contest is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland, who are legal age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence (19 in AL and NE, 21 in MS, and 18 in all remaining U.S. states, The District of Columbia and Canada, 16 in United Kingdom, 20 in New Zealand, 16 in Finland, 15 in France, and 18 in Switzerland), who are age of majority in their province or territory of residence at time of entry.  Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No entry limit. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/swarovski-atx-85mm-spotting-scope-giveaway   Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

Time for another Q&A episode. This week I answer questions about sleep systems, archery setups, new packs and much more! 🎯 GIVEAWAY ALERT! Every $5 you spend on merch at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ gets you 1 entry to win a Swarovski 85mm Spotting Scope. No purchase required. Contest begins on February 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on April 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) 1 previously owned Swarovski ATX 85mm Spotting Scope (approximate retail value $5,900.00 CAD). Skill testing question required. This Contest is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland, who are legal age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence (19 in AL and NE, 21 in MS, and 18 in all remaining U.S. states, The District of Columbia and Canada, 16 in United Kingdom, 20 in New Zealand, 16 in Finland, 15 in France, and 18 in Switzerland), who are age of majority in their province or territory of residence at time of entry.  Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No entry limit. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/swarovski-atx-85mm-spotting-scope-giveaway   Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

The Wild Sheep Society of BC asked me to speak at their Sheep Hunter University again this year at the Mountain Hunter Expo in Penticton. I absolutely love this event. It’s the only true conference solely focused on mountain hunters here in BC and is growing every year. I spoke about how to have an integrated approach to gear systems and more specifically how that applies to a couple of sleep systems I have put together lately. WSSBC https://www.wildsheepsociety.com/   Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools  

In this episode, we sit down with Hunter McWaters—host of a popular hunting show on the Sportsman Channel, podcast creator, and a man deeply rooted in faith. Hunter shares his journey from the outdoors to the screen, discussing how his passion for hunting, storytelling, and personal growth has shaped his career. We dive into the highs and lows of producing a hunting show, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how his faith keeps him grounded in an industry that’s always evolving. Hunter McWaters https://www.thehuntersquest.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thehuntersquest/ https://www.youtube.com/@thehuntersquest   Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

If you want something done right, sometimes you have to do it yourself—and that’s exactly why I created the Forged Base Series. A complete redesign from the ground up, this next-to-skin base layer system was built for unmatched comfort, durability, and performance in the backcountry. 🔥 Why I Built It: For years, we searched for the perfect pair of base layers—especially boxers—that could withstand the grind of multi-day hunts. After brands cut corners and changed fabrics, I decided to create my own. ⚡ What Makes It Different? ✅ Premium Fabric Blend – We tested multiple materials before landing on a Modal & Spandex blend:  • Modal: Bio-based, ultra-soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial  • Spandex: Just the right amount of stretch for all-day mobility  • Durability: Resists pilling, shrinkage, and holds its shape over time ✅ Dialed-In Fit  • Mid-thigh length for a secure fit  • Supportive waistband without discomfort  • Legs that stay in place without restriction ✅ Built for Performance  • Top-access fly for convenience with a pack hip belt  • Strategic mesh panels for breathability in high-heat zones  • No chafing, no hot spots, no compromises This is base layer apparel designed for the modern backcountry hunter—because when the foundation is strong, performance follows. 🎯 GIVEAWAY ALERT! Every $5 you spend on merch at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ gets you 1 entry to win a Swarovski 85mm Spotting Scope. No purchase required. Contest begins on February 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on April 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) 1 previously owned Swarovski ATX 85mm Spotting Scope (approximate retail value $5,900.00 CAD). Skill testing question required. Open to legal residents of Canada, excluding Quebec, who are age of majority in their province or territory of residence at time of entry.  Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No entry limit. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/swarovski-atx-85mm-spotting-scope-giveaway 👉 Watch now & check out the full breakdown!  0:00 – Intro 2:07 – Design Process 3:09 – Feel/Fabric 5:26 – Fit 7:51 – Function 12:07 – Bear Hunts 12:40 – Sizing 14:47 – Forged Base Hat 16:28 – Forged Obsession Tees 17:32 – Swarovski ATX 85mm Giveaway 18:25 – Zulu 10 15X Binocular Giveaway #ForgedBaseSeries #TechnicalHuntingGear #BackcountryHunting #HuntingBaseLayers #PerformanceApparel #HuntingBoxers #BuiltToEndure #StayForged